[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 53 (Monday, March 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CORNELIA DOZIER COOPER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, Kentucky is home to many talented 
artists. They capture our heritage with color, movement, and language. 
Their creativity offers inspiration and makes us proud to call the 
Bluegrass home. Today, I would like to recognize my friend Cornelia 
Dozier Cooper, one of these gifted Kentuckians, who continues to awe 
our Commonwealth with her vision, generosity, and leadership. Cornelia 
was recently recognized by her hometown with a Distinguished Community 
Service Award. It is a privilege to join her many fans in sharing my 
hearty congratulations.
  Cornelia moved to Pulaski County in Southeastern Kentucky six decades 
ago. Instantly, in her words, she ``fell in love.'' The breathtaking 
landscapes fill her imagination and fuel her art. Cornelia skillfully 
captures the region's beauty and the distinct character of its people 
in her watercolor. She brings joy and appreciation to all those who 
have viewed her work. I am proud to count myself among them. In 2019, 
Cornelia received the Milner Award, our Commonwealth's highest artistic 
honor, in tribute to her mastery of the brush and her devotion to her 
craft.
  Kentucky's traditions are reflected in Cornelia's artwork as well as 
in her philanthropy and service. She has helped found and continues to 
support numerous local organizations to foster artistic expression. 
After receiving a donation of books from the Carnegie Library, Cornelia 
knocked on doors around Somerset to gather support for the area's first 
library. Her own endowment provides grants to aspiring performers and 
artists in the Lake Cumberland area. As an enthusiastic mentor and a 
compassionate friend, Cornelia has singlehandedly led a new generation 
of budding artists to find their own inspiration in the hills of 
Southeastern Kentucky.
  Even beyond the brush, Cornelia has brought beauty to her community. 
In Somerset's Fountain Square--which hosts a statue of Cornelia's 
brother-in-law, Kentucky Senator John Sherman Cooper--she has taken 
personal responsibility for planting flowers and leading renovations. 
She is driven to make the square a source of collective pride. 
Cornelia's influence on the local creative community is difficult to 
overstate, and it will continue for years to come.
  My friend continues to create well into her nineties. She has lifted 
this entire community with grace and art. It is a privilege to once 
again thank Cornelia for sharing her talents across Kentucky. She has 
earned this award and our sincere praise. I encourage all my Senate 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Cornelia Cooper on a lifetime 
of distinction and success.

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